Comp 101 Introduction to Computing PDF

Comp 101: Introduction to Computing System Software: OS & Utility Programs 1 ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology Overview This chapter covers: – Differe...

Comp 101: Introduction to Computing System Software: OS & Utility Programs 1 ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology Overview This chapter covers: – Differences between system software and application software – Functions of and general differences between operating systems – Specific operating systems most widely used today – Various types of utility programs ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 2 System S/W vs. Application S/W System software refers to the operating system and utility programs that control a computer system and allow you to use that system – Enables the boot process, launches applications, transfers files, controls hardware configuration, manages files on the hard drive, and protects from unauthorized use Application software refers to programs that allow a user to perform specific tasks on a computer – Word processing, playing games, browsing the Web, listening to music, etc. ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 3 The Operating System A computer’s operating system is a collection of programs that manage and coordinate the activities taking place within a computer – Acts as an intermediary between the user and the computer and between the application programs and system hardware ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 4 Functions of an Operating System Interfacing with users (typically via a GUI) Booting the computer – Loads the essential part of operating system (kernel) into memory – Reads opening batch of instructions – Determines the hardware connected to computer – Startup programs are launched automatically Windows users can control via the Task Manager – Other instructions are stored in the Windows registry ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 5 Windows Task Manager ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 6 Configuring Devices Configuring devices so they operate properly – Device drivers communicate with peripheral devices – Most operating systems look for and recognize new devices each time the computer boots – Device drivers can be updated and reinstalled as needed ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 7 Managing Networking Connections Managing network connections – Manages wired connections to home or office network – Manages wireless connections at home, school, work, or on the go – Can troubleshoot and repair networking connections when needed ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 8 Managing Resources, Files, and Security Managing and monitoring resources and jobs – Makes resources available to devices and programs – Monitors for problems and tries to correct any that arise – Schedules jobs to be carried out File management - Keeps track of stored files on computer so they can be retrieved when needed – Path shows folders from root to desired item – File extensions indicate type of file Security - Uses passwords, biometric characteristics and other security procedures to limit access to system resources ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 9 Hard Drive Organization and File Extensions ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 10 Processing Techniques: Multitasking and Multithreading Multitasking refers to the ability of an operating system to have more than one program (task) open at one time – CPU rotates between tasks – Switching is done quickly – Appears as though all programs are executing at the same time Multithreading enables the computer to rotate between multiple threads so that processing is completed faster and more efficiently – A thread is a sequence of instructions within a program that is independent of other thread In either case, tasks are performed sequentially ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 11 Multi and Parallel Processing Both involve using two or more CPUs or CPU cores in one computer to perform work more efficiently – Multiprocessing: Each CPU or core typically works on a different job Used with computers and devices that have multi-core CPUs and/or multiple CPUs – Parallel processing: The CPUs or cores typically work together to complete one job more quickly Used most often with supercomputers In either case, tasks are performed simultaneously ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 12 Sequential vs. Simultaneous Processing ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 13 Memory Management Memory management optimizes the use of main memory (RAM) – Helps speed up processing – Virtual memory is a memory-management technique that uses hard drive space as additional RAM ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 14 Buffering and Spooling A buffer is an area in RAM or on the hard drive designated to hold data that is waiting to be used by the computer Buffering or spooling places items in a buffer so they can be retrieved by the appropriate device when needed ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 15 Graphical vs. Command Line Interface A graphical user interface (GUI) has icons, buttons, and other objects that the user selects to issue commands – Used by most operating systems A command line interface requires the user to input text-based commands using the keyboard ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 16 Categories of Operating Systems Personal (desktop) operating systems are designed to be installed on a single computer Server (network) operating systems are designed to be installed on a network server – Client computers still use a personal operating system – Server operating system controls access to network resources Mobile operating systems are used with smartphones and other mobile devices Embedded operating systems are built into devices (cars, kiosks, consumer electronics, etc. ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 17 Network Operating Systems ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 18 Types of Processors Supported Most operating systems are designed for a specific type of processor – Desktop, mobile, or server processors – 32-bit or 64-bit CPUs Operating systems must respond to new technologies or trends – New CPU characteristic or new type of bus – Virtualization – Mobility and wearables – Security concerns – Power-consumption concerns – Touch and gesture input – The move to cloud software ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 19 OS for PCs & Servers: DOS DOS (Disk Operating System) – DOS traditionally used a command-line interface – Dominant operating system in the 1980s and early 1990s – PC-DOS Created originally for IBM microcomputers – MS-DOS Created for use with IBM-compatible computers – Can enter DOS commands in Windows using the Command Prompt ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 20 Example ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 21 Windows Windows is the predominant personal operating system developed by Microsoft Corporation History – Windows 1.0 released in 1985 Windows 1.0 through Windows 3.x were operating environments for DOS – Windows after 3.11 were full-fledged operating systems – Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows ME Designed for personal computers – Windows NT (New Technology) and Windows 2000 Designed for high-end workstations and servers ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 22 More Recent Versions of Windows Windows XP – Support for new hardware, networking, and the Internet Windows Vista – Introduced the Aero interface and Sidebar feature Windows 7 – Required less memory and processing power; designed to run well on netbooks and tablets Windows 8 – Designed to be used with a wide range of device Supports multi- touch input – Includes Start screen, tiles, and charms bar There are also server versions of these operating systems (Windows Server and Windows Home Server) ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 23 Windows 8 ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 24 Windows 10 Windows 10/11 is the latest version of Windows – Is a universal operating system that will run on any device Replaces all previous versions of Windows Looks and feel are consistent Experience is optimized to match the device being used – Looks similar to Windows 8 but has new features The Start menu contains a menu and tiles Apps run in resizable windows Task View allows personalized, virtual desktops Edge Web browser Cortana virtual assistant ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 25 OS X OS X is the proprietary operating system for computers made by Apple Corporation – Designates a unique name for each version OS X El Capitan, OS X Yosemite, etc. – Based on the UNIX operating system – Originally set the standard for graphical user interfaces – High level of multimedia functions and connectivity – Includes the Safari Web browser and a Dock – Recent features are the Notification Center and Continuity feature Continue work from one device to another and sync all your Apple devices via iCloud – OS X Server is the server version of OS X ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 26 OS X Yosemite ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 27 UNIX UNIX is an operating system developed in the late 1960s for midrange servers – Multiuser, multitasking operating system – More expensive, requires high level of technical knowledge; harder to install, maintain, and upgrade – “UNIX” initially referred to the original UNIX operating system, now refers to a group of similar operating systems based on UNIX – Many UNIX flavors are not compatible with each other Single UNIX Specification is a standardized UNIX programming environment ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 28 Linux Linux resembles UNIX but was developed independently by Linus Torvalds in 1991 – Open-source software; has been collaboratively modified by volunteer programmers all over the world – Originally used a command line interface, most recent versions use a GUI – Strong support from mainstream companies, such as IBM, NVIDIA, HP, Dell, and Novell – Reasons to switch to Linux Cost More control over the computer Faster ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 29 Linux Desktop ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 30 Operating Systems for Mobile Devices Notebook and other portable personal computers typically use the same operating systems as desktop computers Mobile devices typically use a mobile operating system – Mobile version of a personal operating system (Windows or Linux) – Special operating system designed for mobile devices (Android or Apple iOS) Embedded operating systems used with everyday objects Users should consider the operating system when selecting a smartphone, tablet, or other mobile device ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 31 Utility Programs A utility program performs a specific task, usually related to managing or maintaining the computer system – Many utilities are built into operating systems (for finding files, viewing images, backing up files, etc.) – Utilities are also available as stand-alone products and as suites ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 32 File Management Programs File management programs enable the user to perform file management tasks – Looking at the folders and files stored on a computer or device – Copying and moving files and folders Copy or cut to the Clipboard, and then paste – Renaming files and folders – Deleting files and folders Deleted files go to the Recycle Bin and can be restored until the Recycle Bin is emptied Current versions of Windows include File Explorer ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 33 Using File Explorer ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 34 Search Tools Search tools are designed to search for documents and other files on the user’s hard drive – Can specify search criteria – Can search in File Explorer – Can search via the Windows 10 taskbar search box ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 35 Diagnostic and Disk Management Programs Diagnostic programs evaluate your system and make recommendations for fixing any errors found Disk management programs diagnose, and repair problems related to your hard drive – Check hard drive for errors – Disk defragmentation ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 36 Uninstall and Cleanup Utilities Uninstall utilities remove programs from your hard drive without leaving bits and pieces behind – Important to properly uninstall programs, not just delete them – Built into operating systems and included with some programs Cleanup utilities delete temporary files Recycle Bin, temporary Internet and installation files, etc. Windows Disk Cleanup Registry cleaners delete unnecessary items in the Windows registry ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 37 File Compression Programs File compression programs reduce the size of files to optimize storage space and transmission time – Both zip and unzip files – Built into recent versions of Windows – WinZip Stuffit ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 38 Backup and Recovery Utilities Creating a backup means making a duplicate copy of important files so they can be restored if needed – Can backup an entire computer or just certain files – Can be stored on a recordable or rewritable DVD disc, a USB flash drive, an external hard drive, or in the cloud – Backup media should be secured Backup and recovery utilities make the backup and restoration process easier Regular backup procedures are critical for businesses Individuals should back up any important data and important files before they are modified ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 39 The Windows Firewall Program ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 40 Summary System Software vs. Application Software The Operating System Operating Systems for Personal Computers and Servers Operating Systems for Mobile Phones and Other Devices Operating Systems for Larger Computers Utility Programs The Future of Operating Systems ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 41  Any Questions? ©2024 Mphago B. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 42